Jackie Coyote: A Story of Hope and ResilienceAnimal Stories from All-Creatures.org

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During the first week after her stroke, this sweet coyote's future was
uncertain. Jackie seemed frustrated with her own body, and would growl and
bite at her legs when they refused to work. Her struggle was hard to watch,
but at the same time gave us hope that if there was any way to recover from
this event, this determined little coyote might be able to do it.

Jackie's fierce determination to overcome challenges is an inspiration
to all of us, and a reminder of the resilient spirit in wild animals.

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During the late morning hours of November 7, 2015, Galt sanctuary keepers
noticed Jackie the coyote dragging one of her hind legs and immediately
called PAWS' veterinarian Dr. Jackie Gai. Earlier that morning Jackie had
appeared normal, actively trotting around her grassy habitat after breakfast
exploring for birds, bugs and new smells. But now her condition began to
rapidly decline and soon she was completely unable to stand up or walk.

Dr. Gai and veterinary technician Lynn Dowling arrived quickly and performed
a physical examination in hopes of finding clues about Jackie's sudden and
dramatic disability. X-rays did not show any fractures or dislocations, and
a thorough examination offered no explanation for her sudden mobility
problem. Galt sanctuary supervisor Larry and keeper Seth assembled a smaller
kennel-type enclosure within the coyote's large enclosure so veterinary and
keeper staff could watch her closely. The temporary kennel was erected near
her den where she felt most safe, and her den was bedded down with a thick
layer of hay for extra comfort.

Soon after she awoke from her exam, it was obvious that Jackie had
significant problems. She was unable to get up from a prone position, and
the entire left side of her body was weak. The left side of her face
drooped, and even her facial expression and personality had changed. PAWS
veterinarians suspected a brain abnormality. A video of Jackie was sent to a
board-certified veterinary neurologist who agreed that Jackie had probably
suffered a vascular event in her brain - what is commonly referred to in
human medicine as a "stroke."

During the first week after her stroke, this sweet coyote's future was
uncertain. Jackie seemed frustrated with her own body, and would growl and
bite at her legs when they refused to work. Her struggle was hard to watch,
but at the same time gave us hope that if there was any way to recover from
this event, this determined little coyote might be able to do it. Reluctant
to move, Jackie preferred to rest in her den where keepers would place food
and water within her reach. Coyotes are notoriously observant and wary, and
it took some creativity to hide her medications in her food so she wouldn't
refuse to take them or spit them out.

Over the next several days and weeks Dr. Gai spent time sitting with
Jackie in her little enclosure, watching closely for signs of improvement.
During these visits Jackie would struggle to sit up and stand and would lean
against Dr. Gai for support. These visits became a form of much needed
physical therapy, as Jackie was both stimulated to move, and physically
supported while she re-learned how to stand and walk. Soon, we began to
notice very subtle, tiny improvements. Her face droop gradually went away,
and she was slowly learning how to lift and place her paws without dragging
them. Within a short period of time she was standing on her own, even
walking short distances without support. Our hearts soared with hope!

Larry, Seth, and the other keepers worked diligently to get Jackie's
entire habitat ready to accommodate her disability. They filled in any of
the holes she had dug with soil and sand, creating a smooth and even surface
that would be easy for her to navigate. They also thinned out some of the
bushes and grasses, leaving her favorite hiding spots but also creating
clear areas for her to walk without obstruction. Exactly one month after her
stroke, Jackie was released from her small enclosure back into her large
habitat. We were thrilled to see her explore her new digs, moving with a
slight limp but a confident trot nonetheless.

Today, a little more than three months after her stroke, Jackie is back
to her active, busy lifestyle. Except for a slight limp that comes and goes,
she is moving well and seems to really enjoy her newly "remodeled" habitat.

At 14 years old, Jackie is considered elderly - as are many of the
animals who call PAWS sanctuaries home. Our goals are to provide animals
with expert and compassionate care, to support them nutritionally and
medically, and to provide an environment where they have the freedom to
choose how to spend their days, and where they are free to express natural
behaviors. Jackie's fierce determination to overcome challenges is an
inspiration to all of us, and a reminder of the resilient spirit in wild
animals.

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